Topline
A gunman killed five people and injured two children in a mass shooting in Philadelphia on Monday night, an incident that comes a day after two people were killed and at least 28 others were injured in a shooting at a holiday weekend block party in Baltimore.
Officials from the Crime Scene Unit investigate the crime scene of the mass shooting in … [+] Philadelphia.
Key Facts
The shooting took place across at least three locations in the neighborhood of Kingsessing in southwest Philadelphia before police officers were able to apprehend the suspected shooter, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said in a press conference.
The suspected shooter—a 40-year-old man—surrendered in an alleyway after continuing to fire while being pursued by officers and was found wearing a bulletproof vest and was in possession of several magazines, an “AR-style” rifle, a handgun and a police scanner.
Three of the five people killed—all male—were between the ages of 20 and 59, while the identity of the fourth deceased individual is yet to be established, but he is believed to be between the ages of 16 and 21.
The fifth person killed was later found shot and identified by police as a 31-year-old man, NBC News reported.
Outlaw said a second person who is believed to have fired back at the shooter is also in custody, although police have yet to establish if they had any connection to the shooter.
The police commissioner said the motive behind the shooter’s actions is unknown, adding “all we know is that this person decided to leave their home and target individuals.”
Crucial Quote
Reacting to news of the shooting, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted: “Horrified by the reports of a shooting in Southwest Philadelphia. My heart is with the loved ones and families of everyone involved, and I send my prayers to the victims.” He later thanked the police for their response and added: “This devastating violence must stop.”
Big Number
341. That is the total number of mass shootings reported across the U.S. in 2023, according to data aggregated by the Gun Violence Archive. According to the data, 2023 is on track to be the deadliest year for mass shootings in recent history.
Further Reading
Four people killed, two children injured in Kingsessing mass shooting; suspect in custody (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Baltimore Shooting: What We Know—And Don’t—About Block Party Gunfire That Left 2 Dead And 28 Injured (Forbes)
